How to get VTEC to kick in?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 02:42 PM
  #1  
Alligator's Avatar
Thread Starter
Waiting for delivery
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
How to get VTEC to kick in?

I'm new to TL's, and I've heard that VTEC can be limiting on very fast starts. Someone also mentioned the rush when getting VTEC to kick in. How does one do this? Accelerate hard? Sorry if this is obvious, but I've never owned a car like this - and mine is due in this week.
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 03:01 PM
  #2  
2K2SilverTL-S's Avatar
AZ O.G NoOldManVetteOwner
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,074
Likes: 204
From: NJ/NYC
Ummmmm....

Put the car in D, press on the gas, and if you pass 4800 RPMs, VTEC will engage in that gear. Same for 2nd, 3rd, 4th gear ect....
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 03:04 PM
  #3  
RA111524's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
In the '04TL, VTEC automatically turns on when engine RPM is above 4700. I don't know about it "hindering" fast starts, but VTEC engines aren't known for low end torque, which may be where that claim comes from.

Howstuffworks.com (awesome site btw) gives a good explanation of VTEC: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question229.htm

Follow the links at the bottom for more in-depth mechanical explanation of what VTEC is.
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 03:28 PM
  #4  
F23A4's Avatar
Senior Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 18,017
Likes: 1,737
Originally Posted by Alligator
I'm new to TL's, and I've heard that VTEC can be limiting on very fast starts. Someone also mentioned the rush when getting VTEC to kick in. How does one do this? Accelerate hard? Sorry if this is obvious, but I've never owned a car like this - and mine is due in this week.
That "lag" seems to occur with more noticeability in DOHC VTEC application than SOHC VTEC (i.e.: TL) applications.
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 03:28 PM
  #5  
rets's Avatar
Moderator Alumnus
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 86
From: NYC/SF/Tokyo/HK
Also, you could click the Vtec Tech-Demo over this link... http://www.acura.com/models/model_sp....asp?module=tl
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 04:04 PM
  #6  
LessisBestmakingendsmeet's Avatar
Hello!
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 490
Likes: 2
OMG, its not like its a damn turbo or anything? Get it to "kick-in". lmao Now I see why my sons make fun of me.
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 04:11 PM
  #7  
BstonBruin's Avatar
Go B's Go
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,220
Likes: 0
From: MA
The way that i've felt vtec kick in the most is:

If you have the 5AT put it into sport shift go to gear 5 doing about 50 and then shift down all the way to second gear while staying on the gas, then go up to third and fourth. Its unbelievable
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 04:46 PM
  #8  
Ken1997TL's Avatar
Senior Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 45,641
Likes: 2,335
From: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
VTEC is pretty seamless on most SOHC engines.

DOHC engines like the Preludes H22 or the S2000 have a very pronounced crossover.
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 05:52 PM
  #9  
Jerky's Avatar
Photoshops, and Polls!!!!
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,845
Likes: 2
From: SF Bay Area
Originally Posted by BstonBruin
The way that i've felt vtec kick in the most is:

If you have the 5AT put it into sport shift go to gear 5 doing about 50 and then shift down all the way to second gear while staying on the gas, then go up to third and fourth. Its unbelievable

WOW you go from 5th to 2nd in your auto?

Something tells me that's not good for the tranny...

can anyone let me know if I'm correct
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 05:55 PM
  #10  
rets's Avatar
Moderator Alumnus
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 86
From: NYC/SF/Tokyo/HK
Originally Posted by Jerky
WOW you go from 5th to 2nd in your auto?

Something tells me that's not good for the tranny...

can anyone let me know if I'm correct
It's similar to the downshift by using "L" mode. Our ECU will manage and monitor our tranny and engine. None of them would blow out.
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 06:01 PM
  #11  
Jerky's Avatar
Photoshops, and Polls!!!!
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,845
Likes: 2
From: SF Bay Area
Originally Posted by rets
It's similar to the downshift by using "L" mode. Our ECU will manage and monitor our tranny and engine. None of them would blow out.
what if you were going on freeway 50 miles per hour and put your automatic into REVERSE?

what would happen? will it also protect it?
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 06:02 PM
  #12  
BstonBruin's Avatar
Go B's Go
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,220
Likes: 0
From: MA
yeah, even thought the ecu will manage, and theres no way of blowing out the tranny or engine, i dont do it often
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 06:03 PM
  #13  
BstonBruin's Avatar
Go B's Go
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,220
Likes: 0
From: MA
Originally Posted by Jerky
what if you were going on freeway 50 miles per hour and put your automatic into REVERSE?

what would happen? will it also protect it?
it doesnt let you put it in reverse

discussion on a similar topic:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ight=downshift
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 07:21 PM
  #14  
92NSX's Avatar
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 792
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
VTEC is pretty seamless on most SOHC engines.

DOHC engines like the Preludes H22 or the S2000 have a very pronounced crossover.
So do Integra GS-R's and NSX's
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 07:31 PM
  #15  
cvajs's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 0
From: Big Apple
a "dynamic-feedback" vtec system would be ultimate, but then again, more cash in my pocket also seems like a good "option".
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 07:34 PM
  #16  
LessisBestmakingendsmeet's Avatar
Hello!
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 490
Likes: 2
http://www.geocities.com/gkurka2001/...m#Nissan%20VVL

Seems VVTi is the best.
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 08:07 PM
  #17  
spacejamz's Avatar
2025 RDX A-spec
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 126
Likes: 15
From: Dallas, TX
Originally Posted by Alligator
I'm new to TL's, and I've heard that VTEC can be limiting on very fast starts. Someone also mentioned the rush when getting VTEC to kick in. How does one do this? Accelerate hard? Sorry if this is obvious, but I've never owned a car like this - and mine is due in this week.

just make sure you break the car in first before you try and feel the rush...(i.e., don't gun it driving off the dealer's lot after you pick it up)...

would hate to see a post from you later on saying 'I think my transmission or something is going out...'
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 08:10 PM
  #18  
RedRSXGrrl's Avatar
Bay Area AZ Group Rulez!
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
Put the pedal to the metal and smell the VTEC.

But remember to do that AFTER 600 miles ...
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2004 | 11:51 PM
  #19  
04AcuraTL's Avatar
[]( O)( O)% []D[][]V[][]D
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Mahopac,NY
Originally Posted by Jerky
WOW you go from 5th to 2nd in your auto?

Something tells me that's not good for the tranny...

can anyone let me know if I'm correct

it's ok to go into second as long as ur under 60..my second can push up to 65 70
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2004 | 12:01 AM
  #20  
Teh Jatt's Avatar
The Oracle of Acurazine!
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,706
Likes: 44
From: Fresno, CA
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2004 | 12:03 AM
  #21  
Ken1997TL's Avatar
Senior Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 45,641
Likes: 2,335
From: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Originally Posted by LessisBestmakingendsmeet
Its not.

VTEC has variable valve LIFT AND timing.

VVTi has variable valve timing only.
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2004 | 12:13 AM
  #22  
indoMFP's Avatar
What your problem is?
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,811
Likes: 5
From: Houston, TX
Originally Posted by JATTerbox
jatt has been waiting to use that pic... congrats...
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2004 | 12:24 AM
  #23  
Ken1997TL's Avatar
Senior Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 45,641
Likes: 2,335
From: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Originally Posted by indoMFP
jatt has been waiting to use that pic... congrats...
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2004 | 04:12 AM
  #24  
cvajs's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 0
From: Big Apple
Originally Posted by spacejamz
just make sure you break the car in first before you try and feel the rush...(i.e., don't gun it driving off the dealer's lot after you pick it up)...

would hate to see a post from you later on saying 'I think my transmission or something is going out...'

nah, that's all a myth. yes, you should not redline the motor, but with only 270hp at the crank i dont think it can do much damage if you gun a fresh car. for those worried about this, just follow the manual for break-in.

at about 220 miles i raced a 350z. i was out front with z directly behind me. with my tl still pulling i could see the z inching up. the z would have passed me, but it turned off.
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2004 | 04:25 AM
  #25  
Ken1997TL's Avatar
Senior Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 45,641
Likes: 2,335
From: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Originally Posted by cvajs
nah, that's all a myth. yes, you should not redline the motor, but with only 270hp at the crank i dont think it can do much damage if you gun a fresh car. for those worried about this, just follow the manual for break-in.

at about 220 miles i raced a 350z. i was out front with z directly behind me. with my tl still pulling i could see the z inching up. the z would have passed me, but it turned off.
Actually its really good advice to NOT redline it and not brake too hard during the first 500 or 600 miles.

You want the various components to wear as evenly as possible for break-in.

Yes you CAN race it but dont be hard on the car.
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2004 | 07:40 AM
  #26  
F23A4's Avatar
Senior Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 18,017
Likes: 1,737
Originally Posted by LessisBestmakingendsmeet

I disagree. VVTi = cam phasing OR the 'i' in the 'iVTEC' on DOHC applications.

VVTLi > VVTi but not any better than the iVTEC of a motor like the K20A2 (RSX Type S).
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
IBankMouse
1G TSX (2004-2008)
8
Jun 13, 2020 12:53 PM
mlody
5G TLX (2015-2020)
85
Dec 4, 2019 02:11 PM
joflewbyu2
5G TLX (2015-2020)
139
Oct 8, 2015 11:16 AM
CWOVette
1/2G MDX (2001-2013)
1
Sep 27, 2015 02:29 AM
LAMike240
5G TLX (2015-2020)
34
Sep 3, 2015 04:35 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:52 PM.